Preparation of murine monoclonal antibodies against the yeast phase of the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix-schenckii

Abstract

<p>Three murine monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) were raised against a cvtonlasmic antigen of the veast chase of the pathogenic fungus <i>Sporothrix schenckii</i> using a modification of standard hvbridoma technolozv incorporating the immunosuppressive drug cyclophospha-mide. When tested for species-specificity within the pathogenic dimorphic fungi one of these Mabs (S5) showed little cross-reactivity by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot, though there was some recognition of <i>Paracoccidioides brasiliensis</i> antigen. This Mab recognized a 70-75 kDa molecule on reduced Western blots of <i>S. schenckii</i> antigen. The other two Mabs (S12 and SIS) showed cross-&activity with all dimorphic fungal antigens tested, though they appeared to recognize a molecule of similar molecular weight. This is the first report of any attempt to raise species-specific Mabs against this important causative agent of dermatological disease.</p>